Container and method of forming a container

ABSTRACT

An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having a spout channel extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the spout adapter may be further removably coupled to a lid that may be used as a cup into which a volume of the liquid can be poured.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/786,163, filed Oct. 17, 2017, which claims the benefit of, andpriority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/409,242, filed17 Oct. 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/508,793,filed 19 May 2017. The content of these applications is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and allnon-limiting purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure herein relates broadly to containers, and morespecifically to drinkware containers used for drinkable beverages orfoods.

BACKGROUND

A container may be configured to store a volume of liquid. Containerscan be filled with hot or cold drinkable liquids, such as water, coffee,tea, a soft drink, or an alcoholic beverage, such as beer. Thesecontainers can be formed of a double-wall vacuumed formed constructionto provide insulative properties to help maintain the temperature of theliquid within the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. The Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In certain examples, an insulating container can be configured to retaina volume of liquid. The insulating container can include a canister witha first inner wall having a first end with an opening extending into aninternal reservoir for receiving liquid, along with a second outer walland a bottom portion forming an outer shell of the canister. The bottomportion may form a second end configured to support the canister on asurface.

The insulating container may include a spout adapter configured to sealthe opening of the canister, and provide a re-sealable spout openingthat is narrower than the opening of the canister, to facilitate morecontrolled pouring of the contents of the internal reservoir of thecanister into another container. In one example, the other container maybe a cup formed for a lid that is removably coupled to a top of thespout adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an insulating container, accordingto one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts another isometric view of the insulating container fromFIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another isometric view of the insulating containerfrom FIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded isometric view of the container from FIG. 1 ,according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a more detailed isometric view of a top of a spoutadapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a more detailed isometric view of a bottom of the spoutadapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional isometric view of thespout adapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of cap, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the insulatingcontainer of FIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 10A-10F depict steps of a molding process of the spout adapter104, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of an opening adapter assemblyconfigured to be removably coupled to an insulating container, accordingto one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded isometric view of the opening adapterassembly from FIG. 11 , according to one or more aspects describedherein.

FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of a plug structure, according to oneor more aspects described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts a bottom view of an opening adapter, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 15A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a plugstructure fully engaged with an opening adapter, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 15B schematically depicts another cross-sectional view of the plugstructure in a partially uncoupled configuration relative to the openingadapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent thescale of different components of various examples; however, thedisclosed examples are not limited to that particular scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various examples, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which isshown by way of illustration various examples in which aspects of thedisclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examplesmay be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an insulating container 100,according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, thecontainer 100 may be configured to store a volume of liquid. Thecontainer 100 may comprise a canister 102 that is removably coupled to aspout adapter 104 and a lid 106. The lid 106, when removed from thespout adapter 104, may be configured to function as a cup into which,for example, a portion of the liquid stored in the canister 102 can bepoured. In one example, the canister 102 may be substantiallycylindrical in shape, however, it is contemplated that the canister 102may be embodied with any shape, such as a cuboidal shape, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. Further, in variousexamples, the canister 102 may be referred to as a bottom portion, base,or insulated base structure having a substantially cylindrical shape.

FIG. 2 depicts another isometric view of the insulating container 100from FIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects described herein. Asdepicted in FIG. 2 , the lid 106 is removed from the spout adapter 104to reveal a cap 108 that is removably coupled to a top surface 110 ofthe spout adapter 104. The cap 108, when removed from the spout adapter104, as depicted in FIG. 3 , reveals a spout opening 112 that extendsthrough the spout adapter 104 into a cavity of the canister 102.Accordingly, the cap 108 may be configured to removably couple to, andseal (i.e. resealably seal), the spout opening 112. Accordingly, in oneexample, the spout opening 112 provides a narrower opening than anopening 158 (see, e.g. FIG. 9 ) of the canister 102, and as such,provides for more controlled/better targeted manual pouring of thecontents of the canister 102 into another container, such as the lid106, when removed from the spout adapter 104. In one example, the spoutopening 112 of the spout adapter 104 is off-center on the top surface110 of the spout adapter 104. It is contemplated that the spout opening112 may be positioned at any point on the top surface 110, and may beoff-center, as depicted, or may be centered. In another example, thespout opening 112 may have a central axis (parallel to the axis ofrotation of the cylindrical shape of the spout opening 112) that isparallel to a longitudinal axis of the container 100 (i.e. longitudinalaxis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical shape of thecanister 102) and/or perpendicular to the plane of top surface 110 ofthe spout adapter 104. In an alternative example, the central axis ofthe spout opening 112 may be angled relative to the top surface 110 atan angle that is not 90 degrees. In this regard, it is contemplated thatthe any angle may be utilized, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures.

In one implementation, the cap 108 includes a magnetic top surface 111.The magnetic top surface 111 may include a polymeric outer layercovering a ferromagnetic structure (e.g. a metal plate/other structuralshape may be positioned below the magnetic top surface 111). In anotherimplementation, all or a portion of the outer surfaces of the cap 108may be constructed from one or metals and/or alloys. Accordingly, themagnetic top surface 111 may include an outer material that isferromagnetic, or itself magnetized. In another implementation, themagnetic top surface 111 may comprise one or more polymers overmoldedover a magnet structure (i.e. a magnetized metal/alloy may be positionedwithin the cap 108 as it is being molded).

The term “magnetic,” as utilized herein, may refer to a material (e.g. aferromagnetic material) that may be temporarily or “permanently”magnetized. As such, the term “magnetic” may refer to a material (i.e. asurface, or object, and the like) that may be magnetically attracted toa magnet (i.e. a temporary or permanent magnet) that has a magneticfield associated therewith. In one example, a magnetic material may bemagnetized (i.e. may form a permanent magnet). Additionally, variousexamples of magnetic materials may be utilized with the disclosuresdescribed herein, including nickel, iron, and cobalt, and alloysthereof, among others.

The cap 108, when removed from the spout opening 112, as depicted inFIG. 3 , may be magnetically coupled to a docking surface 114 of thespout adapter 104. Similar to the top surface 111 of the cap 108, thedocking surface 114 of the spout adapter 104 may include a magneticmaterial. In one example, the docking surface 114 may include one ormore polymers that are overmolded over a magnetic element (e.g. a metalplate, foil, or wire, among others). In another example, the dockingsurface 114 may include a metallic and magnetic outer surface.

It is contemplated that in one example, the canister 102 and the lid 106may be primarily constructed from an alloy, such as steel, or an alloyof titanium, and the spout adapter 104 and cap 108 may be primarilyconstructed from one or more polymers (with the exception of themagnetic top surface 111, and the docking surface 114, among others).However, it is further contemplated that each element described hereincan be constructed from one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics,or fiber-reinforced materials, among others. In particular, thecontainer 100 may utilize one or more of steel, titanium, iron, nickel,cobalt, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon,polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene, among others.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded isometric view of the container 100,according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 4depicts the spout adapter 104 removed from the canister 102, and the lid106 and cap 108 removed from the spout adapter 104. In oneimplementation, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom threadedsurface 116 that is configured to removably couple to a threaded innersurface 118 of the canister 102. Additionally, the spout adapter 104 mayinclude a top threaded surface 120 that is configured to removablycouple to a threaded inner surface of the lid 106. Further a threadedouter spout surface 122 is configured to removably couple to a threadedinner surface 124 of the cap 108.

It is contemplated, however, that in an alternative implementation, thethreaded surfaces previously described may be reversed, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. In this alternativeimplementation, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom threadedsurface that is configured to removably couple to a threaded outersurface of the canister 102, and the spout adapter 104 may include a topthreaded surface that is configured to removably couple to a threadedouter surface of the lid 106. Further a threaded inner spout surface ofthe spout opening 112 may be configured to removably couple to athreaded outer surface of the cap 108.

It is contemplated that a threaded surface discussed herein may includeany thread geometry, including any thread pitch, angle, or length, amongothers, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. As such,any of the bottom threaded surface 116, threaded inner surface 118, topthreaded surface 120, threaded inner surface of the lid 106, threadedouter spout surface 122, and/or threaded inner surface 124 may be fullyengaged with corresponding mating elements by rotating the elementsrelative to one another by any number of rotations, without departingfrom the scope of these disclosures. For example, two mating threadedelements, from elements 116, 118, 120, 122, and/or 124, may be fullyengaged by rotating by approximately ¼ of one full revolution,approximately ⅓ of one full revolution, approximately ½ of one fullrevolution, approximately 1 full revolution, approximately 2 fullrevolutions, approximately 3 full revolutions, at least 1 revolution, orat least five revolutions, among many others.

It is further contemplated that the removable couplings between one ormore of the canister 102, the spout adapter 104, the lid 106 and the cap108 may include additional or alternative coupling mechanisms, such asclamp elements, tabs, ties, or an interference fitting, among others,without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

FIG. 5 depicts a more detailed isometric view of the top of the spoutadapter 104, according to one or more aspects described herein. Thespout adapter 104 includes the bottom threaded surface 116 separatedfrom the top threaded surface 120 by a grip ring 126. In oneimplementation, the docking surface 114 is formed from a portion of ahandle 128 extending from the grip ring 126. In one implementation, thegrip ring 126 is configured to be grasped by a user in order to coupleand uncouple the spout adapter 104 from the canister 102 and/or lid 106.Accordingly, in one example, the handle 128 prevents or reduces a user'shand slipping around the grip ring 126 as a user exerts a manual torqueon the spout adapter 104 to couple or decouple it from the canister 102and/or lid 106. It is further contemplated that the grip ring 126 maycomprise multiple handle structures in addition to the single handle 128depicted in FIG. 5 , without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Additionally, the grip ring 126 may include one or moretacky or rubberized materials, or a surface texture such as a knurling,configured to prevent or reduce slippage of a user's hand as it rotatesthe spout adapter 104 relative to the canister 102 and/or the lid 106.

In one example, the spout opening 112 of the spout adapter 104 providesaccess to a spout channel 130 that extends through a height(approximately parallel to direction 132) of the spout adapter 104 andthrough to a bottom surface 134 of the spout adapter 104, as depicted inFIG. 6 . FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional isometric viewof the spout adapter 104, according to one or more aspects describedherein. As depicted in FIG. 7 , the spout channel 130 may extend fromthe spout opening 112 through to the bottom surface 134. In the depictedimplementation, the spout channel 130 may have a diameter 136approximately uniform through the length of the spout channel 130.However, it is contemplated that the spout channel may have differentdiameters and sizes through the length of the channel extending betweenthe spout opening 112 and the bottom surface 134.

In one implementation, the spout adapter 104 may include an internalcavity 138 that extends around the spout channel 130. This internalcavity 138 may be sealed by one or more manufacturing processes utilizedto construct the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, in one example, theinternal cavity 138 may contain a vacuum cavity to reduce heat transferbetween the bottom surface 134 and top surface 111, or vice versa.Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the internalcavity 138 may be partially or wholly filled with one or more foam orpolymer materials to increase thermal resistance. In yet anotherexample, one or more surfaces of the internal cavity 138 may be coatedwith a reflective material to reduce heat transfer by radiation.

In one example, a magnet, or magnetic material, may be positioned behindthe docking surface 114. Accordingly, in one implementation, the magnetor magnetic material may be positioned within a cavity 140 within thehandle 128. It is contemplated that any coupling mechanism may beutilized to position the magnet or magnetic material within the cavity140, including gluing, an interference fitting, clamping, screwing, orriveting, among others. In another example, the magnet or magneticmaterial may be overmolded within the handle 128, and such that thecavity 140 represents a volume that the overmolded magnet or magneticmaterial occupies.

In one example, the spout adapter 104 may be integrally formed. Inanother example, the spout adapter 104 may be formed from two or moreelements that are coupled together by another molding process, welding,gluing, interference fitting, or one or more fasteners (rivets, tabs,screws, among others). In one implementation, the spout adapter 104 maybe constructed from one or more polymers. It is contemplated, however,that the spout adapter 104 may, additionally or alternatively, beconstructed from one or more metals, alloys, ceramics, orfiber-reinforced materials, among others. The spout adapter 104 may beconstructed by one or more injection molding processes. In one specificexample, a multi-shot injection molding process (e.g. a two-shot, or athree-shot, among others) may be utilized to construct the spout adapter104. It is further contemplated that additional or alternative processesmay be utilized to construct the spout adapter 104, including rotationalmolding, blow molding, compression molding, gas assist molding, and/orcasting, among others.

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of cap 108, according to one or moreaspects described herein. As previously described, the cap 108 mayinclude a magnetic top surface 111. Accordingly, the cap 108 may beconstructed from one or more polymer materials, and such that themagnetic top surface 111 includes one or more polymers that areovermolded over a magnetic material.

In the depicted example, cap 108 has a substantially cylindrical shape.However, it is contemplated that additional or alternative shapes may beutilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Forexample, cap 108 may be cuboidal in shape, among others. The cap 108includes grip depressions 142 a-c, which are configured to reduce orprevent a user's fingers from slipping upon application of a manualtorque to the cap 108 to couple or uncouple the cap 108 to or from thethreaded outer spout surface 122 of the spout opening 112. It iscontemplated that any number of the grip depressions 142 a-c may beutilized around a circumference of the cylindrical cap 108, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. Further, the cap 108 mayinclude additional or alternative structural elements configured toincrease a user's grip of the cap 108. For example, an outer cylindricalsurface 144 of the cap 108 may include a tacky/rubberized materialconfigured to increase a user's grip. Further, the outer cylindricalsurface 144 may include a series of corrugations, or a knurling.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the insulatingcontainer 100 with the cap 108 coupled to the threaded outer spoutsurface 122, the lid 106 coupled to the top threaded surface 120 of thespout adapter 104, and the bottom threaded surface 116 of the spoutadapter 104 coupled to the threaded inner surface 118 of the canister102.

The canister 102 may include a first inner wall 146 and a second outerwall 148. A sealed vacuum cavity 150 may be formed between the firstinner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148. This construction may beutilized to reduce heat transfer through the first inner wall 146 andthe second outer wall 148 between a reservoir 152, which is configuredto receive a mass of liquid, and an external environment 154. As such,the sealed vacuum cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and thesecond outer wall 148 may be referred to as an insulated double-wallstructure. Additionally, the first inner wall 146 may have a first end156 that defines an opening 158 extending into the internal reservoir152 for receiving a mass of liquid. The second outer wall 148 may forman outer shell of the canister 102. The second outer wall 148 may beformed of a side wall 160 and a bottom portion 162, which forms a secondend 164 to support the canister 102 on a surface. A seam 163 can beformed between the second outer wall 148 and the bottom portion 162. Inone example, the bottom portion 162 can be press-fitted onto the secondouter wall 148. Additionally the bottom portion 162 can be welded to thesecond outer wall 148. The weld may also be polished such that the seamdoes not appear on the bottom of the canister 102.

The bottom portion 162 may include a dimple 166 that is used during avacuum formation process. As depicted in FIG. 9 , the bottom portion 162may cover the dimple 166 such that the dimple 166 is not visible to theuser. The dimple 166 may generally resemble a dome shape. However, othersuitable shapes are contemplated for receiving a resin material duringthe manufacturing process, such as a cone, or frustoconical shape. Thedimple 166 may include a circular base 168 converging to an opening 170extending into the second outer wall 148. As discussed below, theopening 170 may be sealed by a resin (not shown). During the formationof the vacuum between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall148, the resin may seal the opening 170 to provide the sealed vacuumcavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall148 in formation of the insulated double-wall structure.

In alternative examples, the dimple 166 may be covered by acorrespondingly shaped disc (not shown) such that the dimple 166 is notvisible to the user. The circular base 168 may be covered by a disc,which can be formed of the same material as the second outer wall 148and the first inner wall 146. For example, the first inner wall 146, thesecond outer wall 148, and the disc may be formed of titanium, stainlesssteel, aluminum, or other metals or alloys. However, other suitablematerials and methods for covering the dimple 166 are contemplated, asdiscussed herein and as discussed in U.S. Appl. No. 62/237,419, which isincorporated fully by reference as set forth fully herein.

The canister 102 may be constructed from one or more metals, alloys,polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. Additionally,canister 102 may be constructed using one or more hot or cold workingprocesses (e.g. stamping, casting, molding, drilling, grinding, forging,among others). In one implementation, the canister 102 may beconstructed using a stainless steel. In specific examples, the canister102 may be formed substantially of 304 stainless steel or a titaniumalloy. Additionally, one or more cold working processes utilized to formthe geometry of the canister 102 may result in the canister 102 beingmagnetic (may be attracted to a magnet).

In one example, the reservoir 152 of the canister 102 may have aninternal volume of 532 ml (18 fl. oz.). In another example, thereservoir 152 may have an internal volume ranging between 500 and 550 ml(16.9 and 18.6 fl. oz.) or between 1000 ml and 1900 ml (33.8 fl. oz. and64.2 fl. oz.). In yet another example, the reservoir 152 may have aninternal volume of at least 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.), at least 150 ml (5.1fl. oz.), at least 200 ml (6.8 fl. oz.), at least 400 ml (13.5 fl. oz.),at least 500 ml (16.9 fl. oz.), or at least 1000 ml (33.8 fl. oz.). Theopening 158 in the canister 102 may have an opening diameter of 64.8 mm.In another implementation, the opening 158 may have an opening diameterat or between 60 and/or 70 mm. The reservoir 152 may have an internaldiameter 153 and a height 155 configured to receive a standard-size 355ml (12 fl. oz.) beverage (aluminum) can (standard 355 ml beverage canwith an external diameter of approximately 66 mm and a height ofapproximately 122.7 mm). Accordingly, the internal diameter 153 maymeasure at least 66 mm, or between 50 mm and 80 mm. The height 155 maymeasure at least 122.7 mm, or between 110 mm and 140 mm.

Additional or alternative methods of insulating the container 100 arealso contemplated. For example, the cavity 150 between the first innerwall 146 and the outer walls 148 may be filled with various insulatingmaterials that exhibit low thermal conductivity. As such, the cavity 150may, in certain examples, be filled, or partially filled, with air toform air pockets for insulation, or a mass of material such as a polymermaterial, or a polymer foam material. In one specific example, thecavity 150 may be filled, or partially filled, with an insulating foam,such as polystyrene. However, additional or alternative insulatingmaterials may be utilized to fill, or partially fill, cavity 150,without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

Moreover, a thickness of the cavity 150 may be embodied with anydimensional value, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Also, an inner surface of one or more of the first innerwall 146 or the second outer wall 148 of the container 100 may comprisea silvered surface, copper plated, or covered with thin aluminum foilconfigured to reduce heat transfer by radiation.

In one example, the lid 106 may be formed of one or more metals, alloys,polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials, among others.Further, the lid 106 may be formed using one or more injection moldingor other manufacturing processes described herein among others. The lid106 may comprise a solid structure, or may include a double-wallstructure similar to the canister 102, having an inner wall 172, anouter wall 174, and a cavity 176 therebetween. It is also contemplatedthat the lid 106 may be insulated such that the cavity 176 is a vacuumcavity constructed using the techniques described herein.

In one example, the canister 102 includes a shoulder region 182. Assuch, the canister 102 may have an outer diameter 184 that is greaterthan an outer diameter 186 of the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, anouter wall 148 of the canister 102 may taper between points 188 and 190along a shoulder region 182. In one example, the shoulder region 182 mayimprove heat transfer performance of the canister 102 (reduce a rate ofheat transfer). In particular, the shoulder region 182 may compriseinsulation having lower thermal conductivity (higher thermalresistance/insulation) than the lid spout adapter 104 that seals theopening 158.

It is contemplated that the spout adapter 104 may include a lower gasket178 configured to seal the opening 158 of the canister 102 when thespout adapter 104 is removably coupled thereto. Additionally, the spoutadapter 180 may include an upper gasket configured to resealably sealthe lid 106 against the spout adapter 104, when coupled thereto.

FIGS. 10A-10F depict steps of a molding process of the spout adapter104, according to one or more aspects described herein. As previouslydescribed, the spout adapter may be constructed from one or morepolymers, and molded using a multi-shot injection molding process, amongothers. Accordingly, in one example, FIG. 10A depicts an intermediatespout adapter structure 1002 of following a first injection molding shotof polymer. The intermediate spout adapter structure 1002 includes a topthreaded section 1004 and a bottom threaded section 1006 that will formthe top threaded surface 120 and the bottom threaded surface 116,respectively, when the molding processes of the spout adapter 104 arecomplete. In one implementation, the intermediate spout adapterstructure 1002 includes a complete top surface 110 and spout opening 112having threaded outer spout surface 122 and spout channel 130.

FIG. 10B depicts a second intermediate spout adapter structure 1010following a second injection molding shot. The second intermediate spoutadapter structure 1010 includes a grip ring base structure 1112 thatextends around a circumference of the second intermediate spout adapterstructure 1010 and forms an underlying structural support surface for anovermolded third shot that forms the grip ring 126, as described withreference to FIG. 10C. Additionally, the second intermediate spoutadapter structure 1010 includes a handle base structure 1114, whichforms an underlying structural support surface for an overmolded thirdshot that forms the handle 128. Further, the handle base structure 1114includes a plate bracket 1116, which, in one implementation, isconfigured to hold a magnetic plate 1118 in a fixed position on surface1120 prior to overmolding to form the docking surface 114. Further, theplate bracket 1116 may include clamping elements configured to hold themagnetic plate 1118 in an interference fit prior to overmolding with athird injection molding shot. However, it is contemplated that the platebracket 1116 may utilize additional or alternative elements for holdingthe magnetic plate 1118, including gluing, or using one or morefasteners, among others.

FIG. 10C depicts a third intermediate spout adapter structure 1020following a third injection molding shot of polymer. In particular, athird injection molding shot of polymer is configured to overmold thegrip ring base structure 1112 and handle base structure 1114 to form thegrip ring 126 and handle 128 with docking surface 114, as previouslydescribed. It is also contemplated, however, that the grip ring basestructure 1112 could be formed separately with threads and threaded andglued into place on the spout adapter structure 1010.

FIG. 10D depicts a bottom view of the third intermediate spout adapterstructure 1020 of FIG. 10C. In particular, FIG. 10D depicts an opening1022 into a cavity (i.e. cavity 138 described in FIG. 7 ) prior toforming the bottom surface 134 of the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, afoam 1024 may be injected into the cavity, as depicted in FIG. 10D topartially or wholly fill the cavity, and thereby increase thermalresistivity of the spout adapter 104, once complete. It is contemplatedthat the foam 1024 may comprise any polymer foam material, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures.

FIG. 10E depicts a fourth intermediate spout adapter structure 1030having a lower cap 1032 positioned to cover the opening 1022, aspreviously described in relation to FIG. 10E. In one example, the lowercap 1032 may be formed by a fourth shot of a polymer injection moldingprocess (otherwise referred to as a first shot of a process to mold thebottom surface 134).

FIG. 10F depicts the complete spout adapter 104 following a fifth shotof an injection molding process (otherwise referred to as a second shotof a process to mold the bottom surface 134). As depicted, a fifthinjection molding shot may be utilized to mold a sealing element 1042,which seals the opening 102, as previously described in relation to FIG.10E, and forms the bottom surface 134 of the complete spout adapter 104.

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of an opening adapter assembly 1100configured to be removably coupled to an insulating container, accordingto one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the openingadapter assembly 1100 may be configured to be removably coupled to theinsulating container canister/bottle 102, as previously described inthese disclosures. FIG. 12 depicts an exploded isometric view of theopening adapter assembly 1100 from FIG. 11 , according to one or moreaspects described herein. In one example, the assembly 1100 includes alid 1202. This lid 1202 may be similar to lid 106. Further, the lid 1202may be configured to be removably coupled to an opening adapter 1204. Inone example, the opening adapter 1204 may have a substantiallycylindrical geometry with an external top threaded surface 1220 that isconfigured to engage with internal threads of the lid 1202.Additionally, the opening adapter 1204 may include an external bottomthreaded surface 1222 that is configured to engage with a threaded innersurface of a canister, such as surface 118 of canister 102. An uppergasket 1208 and a lower gasket 1210 may be configured to seal an openingof the canister 102 when the external bottom threaded surface 1222 isremovably coupled thereto. Further, the upper gasket 1208 and the lowergasket 1210 may include any gasket geometry and/or materials, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures.

A grip ring 1206 may extend around a circumference of the openingadapter 1204. The grip ring 1206 may be spaced between the external topthreaded surface 1202 and the external bottom threaded surface 1222. Inone example, the grip ring 1206 may be integrally molded with thecylindrical structure of the opening adapter 1204. In another example,the grip ring 1206 may be formed separately, and rigidly coupled to thecylindrical structure of the opening adapter 1204. For example, the gripring 1206 may be injection molded as a separate element and subsequentlycoupled to the opening adapter 1204 by gluing, welding, and/or aninterference fitting, among others. In another example, the grip ring1206 may be overmolded onto the opening adapter 1204.

The opening adapter 1204 may include a top opening 1224 configured toreceive a plug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may include abottom portion 1216 that has a substantially cylindrical sidewall, and atop portion 1214 that is rigidly coupled thereto. In one example, thebottom portion 1216 may be spin welded to the top portion 1214, amongothers. FIG. 13 depicts another isometric view of the plug structure1212, according to one or more aspects described herein. In oneimplementation, the substantially cylindrical sidewall of the bottomportion 1216 of the plug structure 1212 may include a threaded outersurface 1302 that is configured to removably couple to the internalthreaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. In one example, theplug structure 1212 may be configured to resealably seal the top opening1224 of the opening adapter 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302engages with the internal threaded surface 1212 of the opening adapter1204. Further, the top portion 1214 may be configured to extend, in aradial direction, beyond the sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 to forma sealing surface 1304. This sealing surface 1304 may be configured toabut a top lip of the opening adapter 1204 at the top opening 1224.Accordingly, the sealing surface 1304 may include a gasket, and thisgasket may have any geometry (e.g. c-shaped gasket, among others), andmay be constructed from any material, without departing from the scopeof these disclosures.

The plug structure 1212 may include a handle 1306 that is rigidlycoupled to the top portion 1214. The handle 1306 may extend across adiameter of the top portion 1214, and may be configured for manualactuation of the threaded coupling between the plug structure 1212 andthe opening adapter 1204, as well as for manual insertion/removal of theplug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may also include one ormore external channels 1308. In one specific example, the plug structure1212 may include three external channels 1308 equally spaced apartaround a circumference of the outer sidewall of the bottom portion 1216of the plug structure 1212. It is contemplated, however, that any numberof external channels 1308 may be utilized, without departing from thescope of these disclosures. The external channel 1308 may be configuredto extend between a channel top edge 1310 and a channel bottom edge1312. In one implementation, a depth of the external channel 1308 (e.g.depth along a radial direction relative to the substantially cylindricalgeometry of the outer sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plugstructure 1212) may be uniform along a longitudinal length of theexternal channel 1308 (e.g. along that direction parallel to alongitudinal axis of the cylindrical geometry of the bottom portion 1216of the plug structure 1212). In another implementation, a depth of theexternal channel 1308 may be non-uniform, and may transition from afirst depth to a second depth, less than the first depth, along achannel transition region 1314. In certain examples, the externalchannel 1308 may be configured to provide a partial or full gas pressurerelief/equilibration between an external environment and an internalcompartment of the canister 102 that the opening adapter 1204 isremovably coupled to.

In one example, the plug structure 1212 may include an internal cavitythat is partially or wholly filled with an insulating material, such asa foam (e.g. expanded polystyrene, among others), and/or may include avacuum cavity, configured to reduce heat transfer therethrough.

The plug structure 1212 may additionally include retention tabs 1316. Asdepicted, the plug structure 1212 may include three retention tabs 1316equally spaced around a circumference of a base 1318 of the plugstructure 1212. However, it is contemplated that any number of retentiontabs 1316 may be utilized, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. In one example, the retention tabs 1360 may includeflexures (e.g. one or more of longitudinal surface 1322 and/or radialsurface 1320 may be configured to deform) configured to flex between acompressed configuration and an expanded configuration. As depicted inFIG. 13 , the retention tabs 1316 are in the expanded configuration.

In one example, the retention tabs 1316 may be configured to limit theextent to which the plug structure 1212 may be removed from the openingadapter 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302 is uncoupled from theinternal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. Inparticular, when in the expanded configuration, the retention tabs 1316may be configured to abut a retention surface of the opening adapter1204. As such, FIG. 14 depicts a bottom view of the opening adapter1204, according to one or more aspects described herein. In oneimplementation, the retention tabs 1316 may be configured to abut theretention ridge surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204 when in theexpanded configuration.

FIG. 15A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the plugstructure 1212 when fully engaged with the opening adapter 1204. Inparticular, FIG. 15A schematically depicts the threaded outer surface1302 of the plug structure 1212 coupled to the internal threaded surface1218 of the opening adapter 1204. Further, when in this depicted fullyengaged configuration, the retention tab 1316 may be spaced apart fromthe retention ridge surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204. FIG. 15Bschematically depicts another cross-sectional view of the plug structure1212 in a partially uncoupled configuration relative to the openingadapter 1204. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 15B, the threaded outersurface 1302 of the plug structure 1212 may be uncoupled from theinternal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. However, theplug structure 1212 may be prevented from being fully removed from theopening adapter 1204 as a result of the retention tab 1316 abutting theretention ridge surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204.Advantageously, this partial uncoupling may allow for the top opening1224 to be unsealed, and the contents of, in one example, the canister102 to be poured therefrom, without the plug structure 1212 being fullyremoved from the opening adapter 1204. Further advantageously, thisfunctionality may allow for single-handed actuation of the threadedcoupling between the opening adapter 1204 and the plug structure 1212,as well as pouring of the contents of the canister 102, withoutrequiring the plug structure 1212 to be fully removed and held in auser's other hand, or set aside on an external surface.

In order to fully remove the plug structure 1212 from the openingadapter 1204, a manual decoupling force may be applied to urge theretention tabs 1316 to transition from the expanded configurationdepicted in FIG. 15B, to a compressed configuration that allows theretention tabs 1316 to move past the retention ridge surface 1402. Inone example, this manual decoupling force may be applied in a directionparallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical structure of thebottom portion 1216. It is contemplated that any decoupling force may beutilized, based on the specific geometries and materials, among others,of the retention tabs 1316, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Additionally or alternatively, the retention tabs 1360 maybe configured to abut one or more additional or alternative surfaces ofthe opening adapter 1204 when in the expanded configuration, such asbase surface 1502, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures.

It is contemplated that the structures of the opening adapter assembly1100 may be constructed from any materials. For example, one or more ofthe described elements may be constructed from one or more polymers,metals, alloys, composites, ceramics or woods, without departing fromthe scope of these disclosures. In particular, the opening adapterassembly 1100 may utilize one or more of steel, titanium, iron, nickel,cobalt, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon,polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene, among others. Itis further contemplated that any manufacturing methodologies may beutilized to construct the described elements of the opening adapterassembly 1100, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Incertain examples, injection molding, blow molding, casting, rotationalmolding, compression molding, gas assist molding, thermoforming, or foammolding, welding (e.g. spin welding), gluing, or use of fasteners (e.g.rivets, staples, screws etc.) among others, may be utilized, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. Additionally, it iscontemplated that the depicted and described elements of the openingadapter assembly 1100 may be constructed with any dimensional values,without departing from the scope of these disclosures. As such, forexample, the described threads (e.g. of threaded outer surface 1302,internal threaded surface 1212, external top threaded surface 1220,and/or external bottom threaded surface 1222) may be constructed withany thread geometries, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures.

In one example, an insulating container formed of a material can includea canister that has a first inner wall that has a first end with athreaded sidewall and an opening extending into an internal reservoirfor receiving liquid, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell ofthe canister. The second outer wall can include a second end configuredto support the canister on a surface. The canister can also include asealed vacuum cavity forming an insulated double wall structure betweenthe first inner wall and the second outer wall. The insulating containercan also include a spout adapter having a spout channel extendingthrough a height of the spout adapter between a bottom surface and aspout opening on a top surface of the spout adapter. The spout openingis sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface configured tomagnetically couple to a docking surface on a grip ring extending arounda circumference of the spout adapter between a top threaded surface anda bottom threaded surface. The bottom threaded surface configured toresealably seal the spout adapter to the opening of the canister, andthe top threaded surface configured to removably couple the spoutadapter to a lid.

In another example, an insulating container may include a canister thathas a first inner wall having a first end having a threaded sidewall andan opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving liquid,and a second outer wall forming an outer shell of the canister. Thesecond outer wall can include a second end configured to support thecanister on a surface. The canister can also include a sealed vacuumcavity forming an insulated double wall structure between the firstinner wall and the second outer wall. The insulating container can alsoinclude an opening adapter that has an external bottom threaded surfaceto removably couple to and seal the opening of the canister. The openingadapter may also have an internal threaded surface, an external topthreaded surface, and a grip ring positioned between the external topthreaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface. Theinsulating container may also include a plug structure that has asubstantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindricalbottom portion. The plug structure may also include a threaded outersurface that is configured to removably couple to the internal threadedsurface of the opening adapter. The plug structure may also have ahandle that is rigidly coupled to a top portion, and a retention tabthat is rigidly/flexibly coupled to a bottom portion of the plugstructure. Further, an external channel may extend between a channel topedge and a channel bottom edge of the plug structure. Additionally, theinsulating container may include a lid that is configured to beremovably coupled to the external top threaded surface of the openingadapter.

The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served bythe disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various featuresand concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of thedisclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerousvariations and modifications may be made to the examples described abovewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An insulating container comprising: a canister comprising: an inner wall having a first end with a threaded sidewall and an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving liquid; an outer wall forming an outer shell of the canister, the outer wall having a second end configured to support the canister on a surface; a sealed vacuum cavity forming an insulated double wall structure between the inner wall and the outer wall; an opening adapter, further comprising: an external bottom threaded surface configured to removably couple to the threaded sidewall and seal the opening of the canister, the external bottom threaded surface including an upper gasket and a lower gasket to seal the opening of the canister when the opening adapter is removably coupled to the threaded sidewall of the canister; an external top threaded surface; a grip ring spaced between the external top threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface; an internal threaded surface; and a top opening extending through the grip ring; a plug structure configured to insert into the top opening of the opening adapter, the plug structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the plug structure further comprising: an insulated, sealed internal cavity spaced between the substantially cylindrical top portion and the substantially cylindrical bottom portion; a threaded outer surface configured to removably couple to the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter; a handle, rigidly coupled to the top portion; a retention tab, flexibly coupled to a circular base surface of the bottom portion, wherein the retention tab includes a longitudinal surface extending from the circular base surface and a radial surface extending outwardly away from the longitudinal surface; and an external channel, extending between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge along the substantially cylindrical bottom portion of the plug structure, wherein the external channel has a non-uniform depth and transitions from a first depth to a second depth, less than the first depth, along a channel transition region parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plug structure; and a lid, configured to removably couple to the external top threaded surface of the opening adapter.
 2. The insulating container of claim 1, wherein when the threaded outer surface of the plug structure is uncoupled form the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter, the plug structure is partially removable from the opening adapter, wherein the retention tab is configured to limit an extent to which the plug structure is removable from the opening adapter.
 3. The insulating container of claim 2, wherein the retention tab comprises a flexure configured to flex between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein when the plug structure is partially removed from the opening adapter, the retention tab is in the expanded configuration and prevents the plug structure from being fully removed from the opening adapter.
 4. The insulating container of claim 3, wherein upon application of a manual decoupling force, the retention tab compresses to the compressed configuration, and the plug structure is fully removable from the opening adapter.
 5. The insulating container of claim 1, wherein the retention tab comprises three retention tabs equally spaced around a circumference of the bottom portion plug structure.
 6. The insulating container of claim 1, wherein the external channel comprises three external channels equally spaced around the plug structure.
 7. The insulating container of claim 1, wherein the insulated internal cavity is filled with an insulating foam.
 8. The insulating container of claim 1, wherein the insulated internal cavity includes a vacuum cavity.
 9. An opening adapter assembly comprising: an opening adapter, further comprising: an external bottom threaded surface configured to removably couple to a threaded sidewall of a canister and seal an opening of the canister, the external bottom threaded surface including an upper gasket and a lower gasket to seal the opening of the canister when the external bottom threaded surface is removably coupled to the threaded sidewall of the canister; an external top threaded surface; a grip ring spaced between the external top threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface; an internal threaded surface; and a top opening extending through the grip ring; a plug structure configured to insert into the top opening of the opening adapter, the plug structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the plug structure further comprising: an insulated, sealed internal cavity spaced between the substantially cylindrical top portion and the substantially cylindrical bottom portion; a threaded outer surface configured to removably couple to the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter; a handle, rigidly coupled to the top; a retention tab, flexibly coupled to a circular base surface of the bottom portion, wherein the retention tab includes a longitudinal surface extending from the circular base surface and a radial surface extending outwardly away from the longitudinal surface; and an external channel, extending between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge along the substantially cylindrical bottom portion of the plug structure, wherein the external channel has a non-uniform depth and transitions from a first depth to a second depth, less than the first depth, along a channel transition region parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plug structure.
 10. The opening adapter assembly of claim 9, wherein when the threaded outer surface of the plug structure is uncoupled form the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter, the plug structure is partially removable from the opening adapter, wherein the retention tab is configured to limit an extent to which the plug structure is removable from the opening adapter.
 11. The opening adapter assembly of claim 10, wherein the retention tab comprises a flexure configured to flex between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein when the plug structure is partially removed from the opening adapter, the retention tab is in the expanded configuration and prevents the plug structure from being fully removed from the opening adapter.
 12. The opening adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein upon application of a manual decoupling force, the retention tab compresses to the compressed configuration, and the plug structure is fully removable from the opening adapter.
 13. The opening adapter assembly of claim 9, wherein the retention tab comprises three retention tabs equally spaced around a circumference of the bottom portion plug structure.
 14. The opening adapter assembly of claim 9, wherein the insulated internal cavity is filled with an insulating foam.
 15. The opening adapter assembly of claim 9, wherein the insulated internal cavity includes a vacuum cavity. 